Communication

Korean popular culture has recently gained critical attention in the global media marketplace. Particularly, Hallyu (the Korean Wave), a term coined in Asia describing the widespread popularity of Korean cultural products and its regional and trans-regional influences, has been prominently addressed by the scholars, the critics, and the fans altogether in many parts of Asia and beyond. Through readings, discussions, in-class screenings, and presentations, this course provides a comprehensive view of contemporary Korean culture, society, and politics through examining some of the most representative forms of popular culture. Specific topics include the Korean family; marriage, weddings, foreign brides, and multiculturalism; plastic surgery and eating disorders; education; Korean film and TV; and globalization. 

This course examines the role of ethnic and religious identity in group prejudice in a Central European context, along with its geopolitical, cultural, ideological, and ethical implications. The course explores the function of communication in large groups and in mass movements, and the opportunities it provides for social research. A comparison of the Anglo-American and Continental European traditions of social research provide insight into complementarities of the two approaches and potential richness for new methodological approaches in the field of communication research. Students explore the historical circumstances in which particular social research scholarship was developed in order to provide a more realistic understanding of the scientific process. The course also discusses the mutual influence of society and social research and the benefits and dangers of this dynamic for democracy. Students identify research problems and build adequate research methodologies. The course reviews topics including the role of ethnicity and religious affiliation in a Central European context, how stereotypes may lead to group prejudice, prejudiced group attitudes as they appear in media and other forms of public discourse, the importance of social research for policy planning, interpreting publicly disseminated messages, and comparing and analyzing approaches to social research from an historical perspective.

In today's global, rapidly changing knowledge-based economy, learning and experimenting with employable skills is one of the smartest investments that one can make for their future career. This course encourages students to develop key employability skills that will stand them in good stead for a future career. The course puts the student right in the center of their own learning and engagement with an array of developmental activities designed to develop themselves and their future careers. Students find opportunities to practice skills such as leadership, creativity, design thinking, and problem solving relevant to the needs of graduate employers. The course also involves the development of practical employable skills including preparing a CV, writing a cover letter, and preparing for job interviews. This course draws from an interdisciplinary perspective to understand career success, self-marketing, and personal branding. It builds on foundational concepts and skills in career development from across disciplines, including psychology, business, design thinking, entrepreneurship, and employability. It is designed as a learning environment that focuses on the development of knowledge and skills for students interested in distinctive career success. Students have intensive brainstorming sessions, professional development workshops, and training programs to develop and apply professional skills for their careers in the 21st century.

This course covers important theories and conceptual models for analyzing and understanding organizations in order to design effective structures and cultures that allow them to create value, survive, develop, and thrive. It investigates how employees do not always act in a rational and consistent manner: whether as a new employee, a middle manager, or a top-level executive, the ability to understand, explain, and predict human behavior in organizations is a valuable skill. The course studies a wide range of organizational situations and examples and connects them to organizational theories and effective management methods. It bridges theory and practice through organizational analysis by exploring a series of successful and unsuccessful examples. Students learn to apply different theoretical perspectives to provide situational analysis and plausible solutions. Rather than providing a singular model of an effective organization that can be applied universally, the course explores the factors and conditions within and outside an organization that can be controlled to provide the best fit with the dynamic environment and thereby create the greatest opportunity for success. The imperative for organizational learning, continuous adaptation, and change based on new developments is emphasized.

This course prepares students to be effective public speakers and critically attuned listeners. It introduces students to theories of oral communication and public speaking, as well as practical strategies for analyzing and connecting with audiences, gathering and structuring relevant information, employing effective rhetorical devices, incorporating visual aids, and delivering purposefully engaging speeches. Students practice their speaking skills and learn how to give and receive critical constructive feedback. Through experiential and reflective learning, students gain confidence in speaking in academic, professional and public settings.